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The government has announced four days of national events marking 80 years since the Allied victory in Europe.
The Early May bank holiday on Monday 5 May is being dedicated to nationwide community celebrations and North Somerset Council is advising local residents and communities to plan ahead.
The council will not charge any fees for traffic orders relating to temporary road closures for communities who are organising street parties, barbeques or get togethers to mark the anniversary. Applications must be made by Sunday 23 March.
“This is a chance for us all to come together to honour and pay tribute to the Second World War generation from across the UK and Commonwealth” said Cllr Mike Bell, Leader of North Somerset Council.
“The 75th anniversary came during the first lockdown and covid restrictions, so people did their bit to celebrate and commemorate the event at home. But I really hope that for VE Day 80, neighbours and communities will be able to join together to enjoy food and music, echoing the celebrations that rang out across our nation 80 years ago.
“We’ve made it as easy as possible to apply for a road closure so people can host street parties. There are some safety and legal considerations that need to be in place. We’re asking people to apply in good time so that we can carry out the necessary work behind the scenes.”
More information about how to apply for a road closure is available on the council’s website at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/veday80streetparty.
In areas where street parties might be impractical, communities may want to consider arranging a ‘picnic in the park’ instead.
North Somerset Council will be able to allow a small number of these events in appropriate local parks and open spaces. Each event can be for a maximum of 50 people, and picnic applications should be made on the council's website at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/smalleventonnscland.
All applications will be reviewed and permission granted where possible. Parks are for everyone’s enjoyment so approved picnics will need to enable others to continue using the park and must follow event guidelines. No fires or barbecues will be allowed and public liability insurance is recommended for all events.
Find out more about VE Day 80, along with ideas on how to get involved and an interactive map showing events happening across the UK, on the official website at https://ve-vjday80.gov.uk/